Engineering metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) based thin-film nanocomposite (TFN) membranes for molecular separation

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are a novel class of hybrid materials constructed from metals ions/ions clusters and organic linkers. Owing to their well-defined porous structures and other interesting properties, MOFs and their derivatives/composites have shown unprecedented potentials as nanofillers in membranes for various separations. Recently, many encouraging results have been demonstrated in membrane permeability and selectivity when constructing thin-film nanocomposite (TFN) membranes integrated with MOFs in the selective layer for gas and liquid separation. Although impressive progresses have been exhibited, significant challenges remain in lab-scale research. In addition, implementation barriers can be foreseen when commercializing these MOF incorporated TFN membranes. Therefore, we aim to highlight the recent efforts and advances for such challenges and barriers in this review as well as to assess the potential applications of these membranes for molecular separation. The mechanisms for the enhanced separation performance would be analysed, elucidated, and summarized to offer valuable insights for realizing optimal interface morphology and separation perfor-mance of MOF incorporated TFN membranes.

Automated summary

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are hybrid materials with well-defined porous structures, and they have shown great potential as nanofillers in membranes for molecular separation. Recent research has demonstrated promising results in membrane permeability and selectivity when incorporating MOFs in thin-film nanocomposite (TFN) membranes. Challenges in lab-scale research and barriers to commercialization of MOF-incorporated TFN membranes still need to be addressed. This review aims to highlight recent efforts and advances in overcoming these challenges and barriers, as well as to assess the potential applications of MOF-incorporated TFN membranes for molecular separation.